A LADY who lost her best friend to a chronic lung disease is raising money for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in her memory.

Emma Jacobs, 41, from Christchurch, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a chronic lung disease, in July 2016. She and her partner Ian brought their wedding forward when her condition deteriorated, and were

married next to the lake at the hospital in October 2018

.

The ceremony, which was arranged in a little over 24 hours, was attended by close family as well as hospital staff who had been looking after Emma. The reception was also held at the hospital with Emma and Ian ordering a Chinese meal to be delivered for the guests and ward staff.

Emma sadly passed away on November 8 and her friend Michelle Kennard wants to thank the hospital staff who took care of her during her illness.

Michelle, who lives in Burton, said: "I'm doing a skydive in her memory to raise money to give to Ward 2 because they went above and beyond and we could never thank them enough, so I'd love to donate to them instead."

The skydive takes place in Salisbury on July 20, and Michelle is now hoping to raise as much as she can for the cause.

She added: "I've already raised £200 in two days so I hope to raise a lot more as well. I'd love to set up a pot of money to help any other couples who sadly find themselves in the same situation. I'd like to raise enough money to donate to the palliative care team who showed amazing support, strength and guidance at such an awful time, I'd also like to give the ward a coffee machine and plaque so they can always see the appreciation for the work they do."

Visit Michelle's Just Giving page, justgiving.com/fundraising/Michelle-Kennard, to find out more, or make a donation.